What is the primary focus of inferential statistics?

Inferential statistics primarily focuses on making conclusions or inferences about a larger population based on data obtained from a smaller sample. This branch of statistics allows analysts to use sample data to estimate parameters, test hypotheses, and make predictions about population characteristics when it is impractical or impossible to collect data from the entire population.

For instance, if a researcher wants to know the average height of adult men in a country, it would be inefficient to measure every man. Instead, by measuring a representative sample, inferential statistics can help estimate the average height of all adult men in that country and assess the reliability of that estimate.

In contrast, summarizing data, calculating specific statistics like the mean, or validating data sources are aspects of descriptive statistics and data management that provide insights and assurance but do not encompass the broader conclusions drawn about populations using sample data.